Cam operated two-stage window regulator

ABSTRACT

An automobile window regulator which sequentially operates two window panels adjacently mounted and substantially related in a coplanar manner, one of the panels constituting a small vent, while the other panel forms a primary window. The regulator is operated by a single crank, or electric motor, which oscillates a gear sector about a fixed pivot point. Pivotally mounted levers having cam surfaces defined thereon are engaged by cam followers mounted upon the gear sector wherein oscillation of the gear sector pivots the levers which indirectly operate the window panels. The cam surfaces produce the desired sequential operation, and are of such configuration as to further function as locking means for maintaining the window panels in terminal positions.

[ 5] Jan. 1,1974

1 1 CAM OPERATED TWO-STAGE WINDOW REGULATOR [751 lnvcntor: Max 0. Heesch, Brooklyn, Mich.

173] Assignee: Hancock Industries, lnc., Jackson.

Mich.

[22] Filed: July 31,1972

[21] Appl. No. 276,581

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 208,556, Dec. 16,

3,670,454 6/1972 Oebhard et a1. 49/103 Primary E.ruminer-Kenneth Downey Attorney-Beaman & Beaman [57] ABSTRACT An automobile window regulator which sequentially operates two window panels adjacently mounted and substantially related in a coplanar manner, one of the panels constituting a small vent, while the other panel forms a primary window. The regulator is operated by a single crank, or electric motor, which oscillates a gear sector about a fixed pivot point. Pivotally mounted levers having cam surfaces defined thereon are engaged by cam followers mounted upon the gear sector wherein oscillation of the gear sector pivots the levers which indirectly operate the window panels. The cam surfaces produce the desired sequential operation, and are of such configuration as to further function as locking means for maintaining the window panels in terminal positions.

10 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures ED A 3.782.037

SHEU 1 0F 3 FIG 1- IYPATENTEDJM 11914 I 3,782,037

SHEET 3 [IF 3 FIGS FY66 CAM OPERATED TWO-STAGE WINDOW REGULATOR REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention comprises a continuation-in-part of Application Ser. No. 208,556 entitled Multiple Stage Window Regulator filed Dec. 16, 1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to window regulators employing a single operator for sequentially operating two window panels.

Automobile ventilation systems often utilize small vent windows, usually located at the forward portion of the vehicle front doors. In the most common construction the vent windows are mounted for rotation on a vertical axis for pivoting between open and closed positions, and the vent window is usually either directly operated by a combination handle and "lock mounted upon the vent window frame, or may be connected to a separate crank operated regulator. In more expensive constructions operation of the vent window may be motorized and controlled by electric switches.

For purposes of convenience, economy of manufacture, and conservation of space within the door or vehicle body, it has been proposed to operate both a vent window and the adjacent larger window panel from a common regulator operated from the vehicle interior. Such constructions operate the vent and large window panels in stages or sequences, and typical arrangements are shown in U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,152,055; 2,448,796 and 2,955,817.

Control of two window panels from a common regulator produces problems which are not present with a conventional single window pane] regulator. 'For instance, in a normal arrangement wherein aregulatoris used for each window pane], locking of thewindow in the closed position is producedby cranking the window to its full up condition, and if the window panel should vibrate downwardly, the fully closed condition can 'be easily restored by regulator crank handle operation. However, where aiplurality of windowpanels are operated by a single regulator, such locking of one window panel in a terminal condition becomes difficult due to the sequential window operation. The operation of two window panels from a common regulator requireslocking and constructional features uniquely adapted to the operational characteristics, and known multiple stage window regulators do not meet present automobile requirements and standards.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a multiple stage window regulator capable of operating two vertically slidable window panels from a single manually operated crank, or motor, wherein cam surfaces are utilized to produce window panel movement.

In the disclosed embodiment of the invention a small vertically slidable vent window is mounted forward of and adjacent a large primary vehicle window panel, and both window panels are mounted within, and substantially operate within, the same plane. It is desired to regulate both the vent window panel and the larger window panel by the same regulator such that initial operation of the regulator first fully lowers the vent window, and then lowers the larger primary window panel. A reversal in the direction of operation of the window regulator when both panels have been fully retracted first initially raises and locks the larger window panel, and then raises and locks the vent window panel.

The window regulator mechanism employs a conventional regulator pinion which may be manually rotated by a crank mounted upon the interior surface of the vehicle door or body, or the regulator pinion may be electrically driven, if desired, in a known manner. The regulatorpinion meshes with teeth formed on a gear sector mounted for pivotal movement about a pivot axis supported upon a support member. The gear sector preferably includes an arm portion extending on the opposite side of the pivot with respect to the gear teeth defined thereon.

A vent window operating arm lever and a primary window panel operating arm lever are pivotally mounted upon the same pivot as the gear sector, and the outer ends thereof support rollers, or the like, which cooperate with a track mounted upon the associated window panel wherein oscillation of the outer end of the levers raise and lower the associated window pane] in a known manner.

The window operating levers are pivoted about their axis by cam levers pivoted about an axis parallel to, but radially spaced from, the gear sector axis. One of such cam levers is linked to the vent window operating lever, while the other cam lever is linked to the primary window panel operating lever, and both levers include a camtrack engaged by a cam follower mounted upon the gear sector.

The cam tracks defined upon the cam levers are so formed, and related to the gear sector pivot axis, that initial rotation of the gear sector produces movement of the vent cam lever, and vent operating lever, only, to produce a movement of the vent window. The cam surface defined upon the cam lever controlling operation of the primary window panel lever includes a surface concentric with the gear sector axis engaged by a cam follower during operation of a vent window wherein no movement of the primary window pane] operating lever takes place during vent window movement. Conversely, the cam lever connected to the vent window operating lever also includes a cam track, in the 'form of a slot, which is concentric with the gear sector axis to lock the vent window at its lowermost position during raising and lowering of the primary window panel.

The cam tracks defined upon the cam levers are of such configuration as to lockingly engage their associated cam follower in order to prevent undesirable window panel movement even though the window panel may be subjected to vibrations and impact forces, such as when the vehicle engages an abrupt road obstacle. Also, when the vent window is fully retracted it is desired that the vent window not be inadvertently lifted under shock or impact, and the cam track slot defined in the associated cam lever functions to lock the vent window in its lowermost position during operation of the primary window panel.

Sequential operation of the vent and primary window panels is automatically achieved, and the operator need only rotate the regulator crank in one direction or the other to either raise or lower the window panels. The shifting of operation of one window panel to the other requires no attention by the operator and automatically occurs as a result of the inventive construction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The objects and advantages of the invention as mentioned above will be appreciated from the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is of an elevational, partially schematic, view of automobile door structure, including vent and primary window panels as associated with window regulator structure constructed in accord with the invention, the regulator apparatus being shown in the fully elevated position for both window panels,

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the window regulator structure, per se, illustrating the components in the position with the vent window approximately halfway between its open and closed positions,

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the relationship of the regulator components when the vent window is in its fully retracted position, and the primary window pane] is in its closed position,

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the window regulator construction, a portion of the regulator pinion housing being broken away, illustrating the components with the vent window fully retracted, and the primary window panel fully retracted,

FIG. 5 is an elevational, sectional view taken through a cam follower and the primary window panel cam lever along Section V-V of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is an elevational, sectional view taken through the gear sector pivot along Section VI-VI OF FIG. 4, and

FIG. 7 is an elevational, detail, sectional view taken through the cam follower and the associated vent window panel cam lever along section VII-VII of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The environment in which the window regulator 10 of the invention is utilized will be appreciated from FIG. 1. In FIG. 1 an automobile body is generally indicated at 12, and a front door is represented at 14. The front door includes an upper window opening of conventional nature including a lower sill as represented at 16.

The vehicle door window opening receives a vent window panel 18, and a larger primary window panel slidably mounted between open and closed positions. The vent window panel 18 may be slidably received within a guide 22 defined in the forward edge of the window opening and in a like manner the panel 20 may be received within a guide 24. The vent and primary windows may also include common guides 26 mounted upon one or both of the panels which includes sealing means of conventional construction. A conventional channel track 28 is mounted upon the vent window panel 18, and a similar track 30 is mounted upon the window panel 20. In operation, the vent track 28 moves to the lower dotted line position A shown in FIG. I at the lowermost position of the vent window, and the primary window panel regulator track 30 is located at the lowermost dotted position B" shown in FIG. I when the panel 20 is fully lowered below the sill 16. The direction of sliding movement of the window panels 18 and 20 and associated tracks, is represented by the dotted lines C" and D", respectively.

The window regulator structure 10 is mounted upon a sheet metal support plate 32 which is bolted to an internal panel within the vehicle door 14, or an internal panel within the vehicle body, as is well known. The support plate 32 also serves as the mount for the regulator drive pinion gear 34, FIG. 4, located within a bearing and housing structure 36 mounted upon the support plate. The drive pinion 34 is either directly connected to a crank, not shown, located within the vehicle interior, as is well known, or is operatively connected to an electric motor if the window regulator apparatus is to be electrically operated. The supporting plate 32 supports a pivot bolt 38, FIG. 6, upon which a nut member 40 is threadedly connected. The pivot bolt 38 functions as a pivot for the gear sector 42, the vent window operating lever arm 44, and the primary window operating lever arm 46. Additionally, a pivot pin 48 is mounted upon the supporting plate 32 radially spaced from the pivot bolt 38, but having a pivot axis substantially parallel to that of the pivot bolt. The vent window cam lever 50 is pivotally mounted upon the pivot pin 48, as is the primary window panel cam lever 52.

The vent lever arm 44 includes a roller 45 at its outer end which is received within the track 28 in the conventional manner. In like fashion the roller 47 is mounted on lever arm 46 and cooperates with the track 30 to connect panel 20 to arm 46.

The gear sector 42 includes a portion 54 having gear teeth 56 defined thereon concentrically related to the pivot bolt 38, and in mesh with the drive pinion 34. Gear sector 42 also includes an extension 58 disposed on the opposite side of the pivot bolt with respect to the portion 54 upon which the cam follower 60 is mounted. The cam follower 60, FIG. 7, consists of a cylindrical roller or block mounted upon the gear sector extension by a bolt and nut 64. A waser retainer 66 mounted upon the bolt 64 maintains the cam follower within its associated cam slot, as will be later described.

A cam follower 68, FIG. 5, is mounted upon the gear sector portion 54 by a bolt and nut 70, and also includes a retaining washer 72 for cooperation with the associated cam lever as will be explained.

The vent cam lever 50 includes a cam track or slot 74 having a first portion 76 which is of a linear configuration defined by spaced parallel edges 78 between which the cam follower 60 is received. The linear cam portion 76 extends in a direction transverse to the path of movement of the cam follower 60 wherein rotation of the gear sector 42 about the pivot bolt 38 will cause the cam follower to exert a pivoting force upon the cam lever 50.

The cam slot 74 also includes an arcuate portion 80 which communicates with the linear cam portion 76. The are of the cam portion 80 is such as to conform to the path of movement of the cam follower 60, and thus the portion 80 is concentric to the gear sector pivot bolt 38 when the cam follower 60 is located within the cam portion 80, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The primary panel cam lever 52 includes an inner cam surface 82, which is of a concave arc configuration conforming to the path of movement of the cam follower 68, and thus the surface 82 will be disposed concentric to the pivot bolt 38 during certain stages of regulator operation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The cam lever.52 includes a cam slot 84, defined by spaced opposed parallel edges 86, which communicates with the cam surface 82, and is adapted to receive the cam follower 68 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The cam slot portion 84 is transversely disposed to the path of movement of the cam follower 68 as will be appreciated from the drawings.

The vent operating lever arm 44 is connected to the cam lever 50 by a link 88 pivotally connected to the lever arm and the cam lever. Likewise, the lever arm 46 is connected to the cam lever 52 by a link 90 at pivot points. Thus, pivotal movement of the lever arm 44 is produced by the oscillation of the cam lever 50, while pivotal movement of the arm lever 46 is controlled and produced by the position of the cam lever 52.

Operation of a window regulator in accord with the invention is described below:

The relationship of the components of the regulator when both window panels 18 and 20 are in their full up or closed position is shown in FIG. 1. In this position the gear sector 42 has been moved to its maximum counterclockwise condition causing the cam follower 60 to be located adjacent the outermost end of the cam portion 76, FIG. 1, which produces the maximum counterclockwise position of the cam lever 50, in turn pivoting the lever arm 44 to the maximum clockwise position through the link 88, raising the lever arm roller 45 to its maximum height and thereby raising the vent window panel 18 to its maximum height and closed condition.

The maximum counterclockwise rotation of the gear sector 42 also positions the cam follower 68 at the leftmost position, FIG. 1, upon the cam surface 82, which produces the maximum counterclockwise rotation of the cam lever 52 raising the lever arm 46 to its maximum position in a counterclockwise direction which lifts the roller 47 and window panel 20 the maximum extent.

Thus, the relationship of components as shown in FIG. 1 maintains the window panels 18 and 20 in their uppermost closed positions and the window panels will not move downwardly in view of the position of the gear sector 42, and the cam followers 60 and 68 and the interrelationship of the cam followers with their associated cam surfaces.

When it is desired to lower the vent window 18 the operator rotates the pinion gear 34 by the manual crank, or electric motor, in a counterclockwise direction, which begins pivoting the gear sector 42 in a clockwise direction. This movement of the gear sector moves the cam follower 60 to the left, FIG. 1, while moving the cam follower 68 toward the right. While the movement of the cam follower 68 to the right causes a traversing of the cam surface 82, the fact that the cam surface 82 is concentrically related to the pivot bolt 38 causes no pivotal movement of the cam lever 52 or the lever arm 46, and the primary window panel 20 will remain in its uppermost condition. However, movement of the gear sector 42 in a clockwise direction causes the cam follower 60 to exert a force upon the cam slot portion 76 causing a clockwise rotation of the cam lever 50 which results in a counterclockwise pivoting of the lever arm 44, and a resultant lowering of the vent window panel 18. Continued rotation of the gear sector 42 to the right, clockwise, continues to lower the vent window 18 towards its lowermost terminal position.

FIG. 2 illustrates the relationship of the window regulator components during lowering of the vent window, and it will be noted that in FIG. 2 the cam follower 60 is approximately midway in the length of the cam portion 76 while the cam follower 68 is approaching the cam slot 84.

FIG. 3 represents the position of the regulator components at the maximum lowermost position of the vent window 18, and just prior to any lowering of the primary window panel taking place. As shown in FIG. 3, the cam follower 60 is located at the junction of the cam portions 76 and 80, while the cam follower 68 is located at the junction of the cam portions 82 and 84. In this position the cam follower 68 will have just started to engage a cam edge 86, and the cam lever 50 will be in the position wherein the portion is concentrically related to the bolt 38.

Continued clockwise rotation of the gear sector 42 under the influence of the drive pinion 34 causes the cam follower 68 to push" upon the opposed cam portion edge 86 producing a clockwise pivoting of the cam lever 52, and, thus, a clockwise pivoting of the lever arm 46. Thus, the window panel 20 is lowered. Simultaneously, the cam follower 60 enters the cam portion 80, but no pivoting of the cam lever 50 takes place due to the concentric relationship of the cam slot portion 80 to the pivot bolt 38.

FIG. 4 illustrates the maximum lowermost position of the lever arm 46, and the primary window panel 20. At this location the cam follower 68 will be located at the outermost end of the cam slot 84, and the cam follower 60 will be located at its innermost position within the cam slot 74.

It will be appreciated from the drawings that as the cam follower 60 is located within a cam slot 74 having spaced parallel edges 78 it is not possible to move the vent window, and its associated lever arm, without rotating the gear sector. This feature is of significance as it insures that the window vent will remain in the position determined by the regulator. Thus, if the vehicle should be subjected to a sharp impact, such as a tire engaging a road depression, the window vent will not bounce, and vibrate. Likewise, the fact that the cam portion 84 is in slot form prevents the window panel 20 from lifting upwardly due to vibration or impact when the window panel 20 is semi or fully lowered.

Raising of the window panels from the lowermost position as shown in FIG. 4 merely requires that the drive pinion 34 be rotated in a clockwise direction to rotate the gear sector 42 in a counterclockwise direction. Thereupon, the sequence of operation is the reverse of that previously described.

During raising of the window panels the cam follower 68 engages the upper cam slot edge 86 to lift the cam lever 52, and the lever arm 46, raising the window panel 20 while the cam follower 60 moves through the cam slot portion 80. Upon the components reaching the condition shown in FIG. 3, the window panel 20 will have been raised to its uppermost position, and continued counterclockwise rotation of the gear sector causes the cam follower 60 to enter the cam portion 76, pivoting the cam lever 50 in a counterclockwise direction, and rotating the lever arm 44 in a clockwise direction to raise the vent window panel 18.

If it is desired to operate the vent window 18 only, the operator rotates the gear sector 42 between the positions represented in FIGS. 1 and 3, and thus the vent window may be located at any position intermediate its fully open or closed positions without producing movement of the window panel 20.

Practically all of the components of the window regulator embodiment illustrated can be formed of sheet steel fabricated on' conventional stamping equipment.

Thus, the invention produces a multistage window regulator of positive, quiet, operation wherein two window panels are sequentially operated by a single drive member and the window panel sequence automatically takes place. The window panels are firmly held in their uppermost position, and the characteristics of window operation can be very closely regulated by the configuration of the cam surfaces. For instance, if it was desired that the window panel 20 be forced upwardly against its seals with an extra force when the vent window was in its uppermost position, the cam surface 82 could include an inclined surface at 92, slightly radially inward of the surface 82 with respect to the pivot bolt 38, to produce an extra lift on the cam lever arm 46 when the components are in the condition shown in FIG. 1.

It will be appreciated that various modifications to the inventive concept may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

I. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot for oscillation between first and second positions, drive means operably connected to said gear sector for oscillating said sector on said pivot, a first lever pivotally mounted on said supporting member operably connected to said first window panel, a second lever pivotally mounted on said supporting member operably connected to said second window panel, first and second cam levers pivotally mounted upon said supporting member for oscillation about axes substantially parallel to the axis of said first pivot, said cam levers each having a cam surface defined thereon, a first cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface defined upon said first cam lever and a second cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface defined upon said second cam lever, means connecting said first lever to said first cam lever and second lever to said second cam lever, respectively, said cam surfaces defined on said first and second cam levers being of such configuration that as said gear sector oscillates between said first and second positions said first and second levers are pivoted about their respective axes by said first and second cam levers sequentially to sequentially move said window panels between their open and closed positions.

2. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said first and second levers are pivotally mounted upon said first pivot.

3. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said first and second cam levers are pivotally mounted upon a common pivot spaced from said first pivot.

4. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said cam surface defined on said first cam lever comprises a slot having opposed parallel edges, said first cam follower being received within said slot between said edges.

5. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 4 wherein said slot includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being transversely disposed to the circular path of movement of said first cam follower about said first pivot and said second portion comprising a circular arc segment adapted to be concentrically related to said first pivot during the movement of said gear sector which pivots said second lever.

6. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 4 wherein said second cam surface includes a first circular arcuate portion adapted to be concentrically disposed to said first pivot during pivoting of said gear sector during operation of said first lever, and a second portion transversely disposed to the circular path of movement of said second cam follower.

7. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 6 wherein said second cam surface second portion comprises a slot having opposed parallel edges, said second cam follower being receivable within said slot between said edges.

8. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels, comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot oscillatable through first and second arcs of movement, a drive mechanism operably connected to said gear sector for producing oscillation thereof, first and second lever arms pivotally mounted on said first pivot, means connecting said first lever arm to said first window panel and means connecting said second lever arm to said second window pane], first and second cam levers mounted on said supporting member for oscillation about a second pivot spaced from and substantially parallel to said first pivot, a cam slot defined in said first cam lever, a cam surface defined on said second cam lever, a first cam follower mounted on said gear sector received within said cam slot, a second cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface, link means connecting said first cam lever to said first lever arm and said second cam lever to said second arm lever, said cam slot including a first portion producing movement of said first lever arm during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement and a second portion adapted to be concentric to said first pivot during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement, said cam surface including a first portion adapted to be concentric to said first pivot during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement and a second portion producing movement of said second lever arm during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement.

9. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 8 wherein said cam surface second portion comprises a slot receiving said second cam follower.

10. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels, comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot oscillatable through first and second arcs of movement, a drive mechanism operably connected to said gear sector for producing oscillation thereof, first and second cam drive means mounted on said supporting member, said 10 producing movement of said first window pane] during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement, said second cam drive means producing movement of said second window panel during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement. 

1. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot for oscillation between first and second positions, drive means operably connected to said gear sector for oscillating said sector on said pivot, a first lever pivotally mounted on said supporting member operably connected to said first window panel, a second lever pivotally mounted on said supporting member operably connected to said second window panel, first and second cam levers pivotally mounted upon said supporting member for oscillation about axes substantially parallel to the axis of said first pivot, said cam levers each having a cam surface defined thereon, a first cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface defined upon said first cam lever and a second cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface defined upon said second cam lever, means connecting said first lever to said first cam lever and second lever to said second cam lever, respectively, said cam surfaces defined on said first and second cam levers being of such configuration that as said gear sector oscillates between said first and second positions said first and second levers are pivoted about their respective axes by said first and second cam levers sequentially to sequentially move said window paNels between their open and closed positions.
 2. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said first and second levers are pivotally mounted upon said first pivot.
 3. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said first and second cam levers are pivotally mounted upon a common pivot spaced from said first pivot.
 4. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 1 wherein said cam surface defined on said first cam lever comprises a slot having opposed parallel edges, said first cam follower being received within said slot between said edges.
 5. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 4 wherein said slot includes a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being transversely disposed to the circular path of movement of said first cam follower about said first pivot and said second portion comprising a circular arc segment adapted to be concentrically related to said first pivot during the movement of said gear sector which pivots said second lever.
 6. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 4 wherein said second cam surface includes a first circular arcuate portion adapted to be concentrically disposed to said first pivot during pivoting of said gear sector during operation of said first lever, and a second portion transversely disposed to the circular path of movement of said second cam follower.
 7. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 6 wherein said second cam surface second portion comprises a slot having opposed parallel edges, said second cam follower being receivable within said slot between said edges.
 8. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels, comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot oscillatable through first and second arcs of movement, a drive mechanism operably connected to said gear sector for producing oscillation thereof, first and second lever arms pivotally mounted on said first pivot, means connecting said first lever arm to said first window panel and means connecting said second lever arm to said second window panel, first and second cam levers mounted on said supporting member for oscillation about a second pivot spaced from and substantially parallel to said first pivot, a cam slot defined in said first cam lever, a cam surface defined on said second cam lever, a first cam follower mounted on said gear sector received within said cam slot, a second cam follower mounted on said gear sector engaging said cam surface, link means connecting said first cam lever to said first lever arm and said second cam lever to said second arm lever, said cam slot including a first portion producing movement of said first lever arm during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement and a second portion adapted to be concentric to said first pivot during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement, said cam surface including a first portion adapted to be concentric to said first pivot during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement and a second portion producing movement of said second lever arm during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement.
 9. In a multistage automobile window regulator as in claim 8 wherein said cam surface second portion comprises a slot receiving said second cam follower.
 10. A multistage automobile window regulator for sequentially operating a pair of slidable window panels, comprising, in combination, first and second window panels each slidably movable between fully open and fully closed positions, a supporting member, a first pivot mounted upon said supporting member, a gear sector rotatably mounted on said first pivot oscillatable thRough first and second arcs of movement, a drive mechanism operably connected to said gear sector for producing oscillation thereof, first and second cam drive means mounted on said supporting member, said second cam drive means including a cam surface having a portion concentric to said first pivot during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement, means connecting said first cam drive means to said first window panel and means connecting said second cam drive means to said second window panel, means connecting said first and second cam drive means to said gear sector, said first cam drive means producing movement of said first window panel during movement of said gear sector through said first arc of movement, said second cam drive means producing movement of said second window panel during movement of said gear sector through said second arc of movement. 